Darwin K. Mathwig

Darwin K. Mathwig, age 58, Arlington, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 4th, 2010 following a short, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Darwin was surrounded by his wife, children, parents and siblings. Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Arlington from 3:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., Friday, July 9th and two hours prior to funeral service. Funeral service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Arlington at 10:30am, Saturday, July 10th. Burial will follow at the Arlington Public Cemetery. Kolden Funeral home of Arlington will be handling the arrangements. Darwin Kenneth Mathwig was born in Gaylord, MN on March 15th, 1952 to Walter and Eileen (Niehaus) Mathwig. The seventh of 9 children, Darwin was raised on a farm outside of Green Isle, MN, attending Green Isle Elementary School through the 8th grade. Darwin graduated from Arlington-Green Isle High School in 1970. After graduation, Darwin entered the United States Marine Corps at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot San Diego, receiving a medical discharge in October 1970. Upon his return to Arlington, Darwin worked for Dale's Food Store until 1977. In February 1977, Darwin realized his dream, opening Beany's Main Inn Restaurant in Arlington with his wife, Nancy. Darwin's homemade soups, pies and chili macs, as well as his amicable personality, made for a popular eatery in Arlington for almost 20 years. In October 1995, The Main Inn was closed, and Darwin went to work for Mid-America Plastics, Shakopee, until his illness. On July 7th, 1973, Darwin married Nancy J. Kleist at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Arlington. Their marriage was blessed with 3 children, Derek, Sean and Amber. Throughout his adult life, Darwin was committed to serving others whether in the local community or beyond. Darwin was a 17-year member of the Arlington Ambulance service and a retired 20-year member of the Arlington Fire Department. He also served 9-years as a member of the Arlington City Council. Additionally, Darwin has served on the Arlington Baseball Board, Sibley East Music Boosters, Chamber of Commerce, various committees for town celebrations and was currently serving on the Sibley Medical Center Foundation Board. Foremost in his life was his 31 year dedication to the Arlington Lions and Lions Club International. Darwin was well known for his many years bringing youth from other countries into Arlington, throughout the state of Minnesota and into Manitoba. Darwin and family personally hosted 20 students through the Lions Youth Exchange program. Darwin's love for the Youth Exchange program was evident when he spent a week of vacation each year for 14 years with 20 - 30 youth from around the world at Camp Spicer. Darwin served 3 terms as Arlington Lions Club president, was a member of the District Cabinet since 1992 and served as Multiple District Youth Exchange Chair for 6 years. Most recently, Darwin was honored to serve as District Governor for the Lions District 5M2, which encompasses 63 Lions Clubs in south central Minnesota. During this time, Darwin's message to the clubs of 5M2 focused on the importance of each member's unique contribution, whether small or large, to the success of the club. Darwin continued his service to Lions on the day of his death as he gave the gift of sight to another person by donating his eyes to the MN Lions Eye Bank Darwin has been a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Arlington, for most of his adult life and has served on the Church Council and as a Sunday School teacher. Darwin is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Arlington; sons Derek and Sean of Bloomington, MN; Daughter, Amber of Norfolk, VA; Parents, Walter and Eileen Mathwig of Green Isle; Sisters, Joyce (David) Kroells of Mankato, Jackie (Darrel) Alsleben of Arlington, Beverly Breyer (special friend Paul Wiemann) of Arlington; Brothers, Wayne (Mary) Mathwig of Belle Plaine, Donald (Patricia) of Arlington, Wesley of Burnsville, Marvin of Shakopee and Bill (Carla) of Apple Valley. Brothers-in-law, Gary (Sandra) Kleist of Brainerd, Jeff (Teresa) Kleist of Henderson; Sister-in-law Bonnie Kleist of Apple Valley and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents-in-law, LeRoy and Carol Kleist. Memorials are suggested to the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank, Lions MD5M Hearing Foundation or Donor's Choice.